Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
CHAPTER 230: ENGINEERING SERVICE
1
PURPOSE AND SCOPE .......................................................................................... 230-2
2
DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................... 230-2
3
OPERATING RATIONALE AND BASIS OF CRITERIA ............................................ 230-2
4
INPUT DATA STATEMENTS ................................................................................... 230-3
5
SPACE CRITERIA.................................................................................................... 230-4
6
PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ....................................................... 230-9
7
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS ........................................................................... 230-10
8
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM ....................................................................................... 230-11
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 1 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
1
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This document provides Space Planning Criteria for Engineering Service Chapter 230 as
it applies to all medical facilities at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Engineering Service is responsible for improving, maintaining, and operating the medical
center physical plant and equipment, and for construction projects.
2
DEFINITIONS
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE): A staffing parameter equal to the amount of time assigned to
one full time employee. It may be composed of several part-time employees whose total
time commitment equals that of a full-time employee. One FTE equals a 40 hours per
week.
Functional Area: The grouping of rooms and spaces based on their function within a
clinical service. Typical Functional Areas are Reception Areas, Patient Areas, Support
Areas, Staff and Administrative Areas, and Residency Program.
Input Data Statements: A set of questions designed to elicit information about the
healthcare project in order to create a Program for Design (PFD) based on the criteria
parameters set forth in this document. Input Data Statements could be Mission related,
based in the project’s Concept of Operations; and Workload or Staffing related, based on
projections and data provided by the VHA or the VISN about the estimated model of
operation for the facility. This information is processed through mathematical and logical
operations in VA-SEPS.
Program for Design (PFD): A space program based on criteria set forth in this document
and specific information about Concept of Operations, workload projections and staffing
levels authorized.
SEPS (VA-SEPS): Acronym for Space and Equipment Planning System, a digital tool
developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs
to generate a Program for Design (PFD) and an Equipment List for a VA healthcare
project based on specific information entered in response to Input Data Questions. VASEPS incorporates the propositions set forth in all VA Space Planning Criteria chapters.
VA-SEPS has been designed to aid healthcare planners in creating a space plan based
on a standardized set of criteria parameters.
3
OPERATING RATIONALE AND BASIS OF CRITERIA
A. Workload Projections or planned services / modalities for a specific VA medical
center, hospital, or satellite outpatient clinic project are provided by the VA Central
Office (VACO) / VISN CARES Capacity Projection Model. The workload projections
are generated by methodology based upon the expected veteran population in the
respective market/service area. Healthcare planners working on VA medical center,
hospital, or satellite outpatient clinic projects will utilize and apply the workload
criteria set forth herein for identified services and modalities to determine room
requirements for each facility.
B. Engineering Service is responsible for construction projects and for improving,
maintaining, and the operating the Medical Center’s physical plant and equipment.
The Department is organized with an Office of the Chief of Engineering Service and
Five (5) other sections: maintenance and repair; operations; biomedical engineering;
projects (construction); and safety, industrial hygiene and fire protection.
C. Space planning criteria have been developed on the basis of an understanding of
the activities involved in the functional areas of the Engineering Service and its
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 2 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
relationship with other services of a medical facility. These criteria are predicated on
established and/or anticipated best practice standards, as adapted to provide
environments supporting the highest quality heath care for Veterans
D. These criteria are subject to modification relative to development in the equipment,
and subsequent planning and design. The selection of the size and type of
Engineering Service equipment is determined by VACO and upon Veterans Health
Administration (VHA) anticipated Facility needs.
4
INPUT DATA STATEMENTS
A. Mission Input Data Statements
1. Is Engineering authorized to be located in a separate building? (M)
2. Is a Biomedical Repair Shop authorized? (M)
a. How many Biomedical Research Technician FTE positions are authorized?
(S)
3. Is a Carpentry Shop authorized? (M)
a. How many Technical Carpentry Shop FTE positions are authorized? (S)
4. Is an Air Conditioning Shop authorized? (M)
a. How many Technical Air Conditioning Shop FTE positions are authorized? (S)
5. Is a Plumbing Shop authorized? (M)
a. How many Technical Plumbing Shop FTE positions are authorized? (S)
6. Is an Electrical Shop authorized? (M)
a. How many Technical Electrical Shop FTE positions are authorized? (S)
7. Is a Paint Shop authorized? (M)
a. Is a Flammable Storage room authorized? (M)
b. How many Technical Paint Shop FTE positions are authorized? (S)
8. Is a Machine Shop authorized? (M)
a. How many Technical Machine Shop FTE positions are authorized? (S)
9. Is a Mason Shop authorized? (M)
a. How many Technical Mason Shop FTE positions are authorized? (S)
10. Is a Grounds Maintenance Shop authorized? (M)
a. How many Technical Grounds Maintenance Shop FTE positions are
authorized? (S)
11. Is a Locksmith Shop authorized? (M)
12. Is a Multi Use Shop authorized? (M)
B. Workload Input Data Statements
1. How many patient beds in total are projected for this facility? (W)
C. Staffing Input Data Statements
1. How many Engineering Clerical FTE positions are authorized? (S)
2. How many Industrial Hygienist FTE positions are authorized? (S)
3. How many Project Engineer FTE positions are authorized? (S)
4. How many Receptionist FTE positions are authorized? (S)
5. How many Technical FTE positions are authorized? (S)
6. How many Driver Dispatch FTE positions are authorized? (S)
7. How many Shop Supervisor FTE positions are authorized? (S)
8. How many Trainee FTE positions are authorized? (S)
9. How many Draftsman FTE positions are authorized? (S)
10. How many Engineering Technician FTE positions are authorized? (S)
D. Miscellaneous Input Data Statements
1. How many FTEs will work on peak shift? (Misc)
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 3 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
2. How many FTE positions are not authorized to have an office or work space?
(Misc)
5
SPACE CRITERIA
A. FA 1: Reception Area:
1. Waiting (WRC01) .................................................................. 120 NSF (11.2 NSM)
Provide one for Engineering Service.
2. Reception (RECP1) .................................................................. 80 NSF (7.5 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide an additional 80 NSF per each Receptionist FTE position
authorized greater than one.
3. Toilet, Public (TLTU1) .............................................................. 60 NSF (5.6 NSM)
Provide one for Engineering Service.
B. FA 2: Administrative and Operations Area:
1. Office, Engineering Chief (OFA09) ....................................... 100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Provide one for Engineering Service.
2. Office, Engineering Assistant Chief (OFA09) ...................... 100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Provide one for Engineering Service.
3. Workstation, Fire and Safety Specialist (OFA07) .................. 56 NSF (5.3 NSM)
Provide one for Engineering Service.
All Engineering and Fire Safety Publications to be maintained in this work space.
4. Workstation, Industrial Hygienist (OFA07) ............................ 56 NSF (5.3 NSM)
Provide one if an Industrial Hygienist FTE position is authorized.
5. Workstation, Project Engineer (OFA07) ................................. 56 NSF (5.3 NSM)
Provide one per each Project Engineer FTE position authorized.
6. Workstation, Clerical (OFA07) ................................................ 56 NSF (5.3 NSM)
Provide one per each Clerical, Technical, Driver Dispatch, Shop Supervisor, and
Trainee FTE position authorized.
7. Conference Room (CRA02) ................................................. 300 NSF (27.9 NSM)
Provide one if a separate building for Engineering Service is authorized.
8. Hospital Plans and Drafting Room (XXYYC) ...................... 200 NSF (18.6 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide an additional 85 NSF per each Draftsman and
Engineering Technician FTE position authorized.
This room provides space for one Draftsman, plan storage, layout table,
Computer workstation and Plotter / Printer.
9. Interior Design Office / Library /
Workroom (XXYYC) ........................................................... 250? NSF (23.2 NSM)
Provide one for Engineering Service.
10. Lounge, Staff (SL001) .............................................................. 80 NSF (7.5 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide an additional 15 NSF per each Engineering Service FTE
position working on peak shift greater than five; maximum 210 NSF.
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 4 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
11. Locker Room, Staff (LR001) .................................................... 80 NSF (7.5 NSM)
Minimum NSF if total number of Engineering Service FTE positions not authorized
to have office or work space is between five and thirteen; provide an additional 6
NSF per each Engineering Service FTE position not authorized to have office or
work space is greater than thirteen.
Provide locker space only for those FTEs without assigned office or work space.
For less than five FTE combine Locker Room facilities with adjacent department
or sum in chapter 410.
12. Toilet, Staff (TLTU1) ................................................................. 60 NSF (5.6 NSM)
Minimum one; provide an additional one for every increment of fifteen Engineering
Service FTE positions working on peak shift greater than fifteen.
C. FA 3: Engineering Control Center:
1. Engineering Control Center (XXYYC) ................................. 300 NSF (27.9 NSM)
Provide one for Engineering Service.
This area houses the computer and control system that controls and monitors the
HVAC system, emergency generators, and selected systems and equipment. H08-3, the Department of Veterans Affairs Construction Standard 688-1,
“Engineering Control Center” applies. If toilet facilities (Water closet and Lavatory:
(50 NSF) are not conveniently available then the toilet facility will be included in
the 300 NSF.
D. FA 4: Biomedical Engineering Repair Shop:
1. Workstation, Biomedical Engineer (OFA07) ...........................56 NSF (5.3 NSM)
Provide one if a Biomedical Repair Shop is authorized.
2. Receiving and Cleaning (BMRA1) .........................................100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Provide one if a Biomedical Repair Shop is authorized.
This area provides space where equipment can be broken down and cleaned,
and where new medical equipment can be inspected.
3. Repair (BMER1) ....................................................................400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide one if a Biomedical Repair Shop is authorized; provide an
additional 100 NSF per each Biomedical Technical FTE position authorized
greater than one.
This function is divided into a mechanical repair area and an electronic repair
area. A large amount of testing equipment is required on work benches.
4. Storage Room (SRE01) ..........................................................100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide one if a Biomedical Repair Shop is authorized; provide an
additional 25 NSF per each Biomedical Technical FTE position authorized.
This area provides for storage of special spare parts and for equipment awaiting
repair.
E. FA 5: Shop Area:
1. Carpentry Shop:
Floor Mounted Tools and Equipment (PMCW1) ................. 500 NSF (46.5 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Carpentry Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized.
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 5 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
This area provides space for large size tools and equipment that are normally
mounted to the floor.
2. Carpentry Shop: Workbench and Worktable (PMCW1)..... 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Carpentry Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide additional NSF per Table 1.
TABLE 1: WORKBENCH AND WORKTABLE AREA CALCULATION
NUMBER OF FTE POSITIONS
AUTHORIZED
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Greater than 10
AREA
400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
480 NSF (44.6 NSM)
520 NSF (48.4 NSM)
540 NSF (50.2 NSM)
560 NSF (52.1 NSM)
580 NSF (53.9 NSM)
590 NSF (54.9 NSM)
590 NFS (54.9 NSM) plus 10 NSF per
FTE position greater than ten.
This area normally contains wall benches, freestanding worktables, bench
mounted tools, equipment, and devices necessary for a wide variety of tasks
associated with maintenance and repair of the physical plant and grounds.
3. Carpentry Shop: Storage (SRE01) ...................................... 250 NSF (23.3 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Carpentry Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide an additional 24 NSF for each Technical Carpentry Shop FTE
position authorized greater than four.
This area provides storage of a 30 day supply of equipment, parts, supplies, and
tools. Special heavy duty tools, machines, materials for recurring maintenance,
and testing equipment must be maintained to minimize “down time”.
4. Air Conditioning Shop:
Floor Mounted Tools and Equipment (PMCW1) ................ 300 NSF (27.9 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Air Conditioning Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized.
5. Air Conditioning Shop:
Workbench and Worktable (PMCW1) ................................. 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Air Conditioning Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide additional NSF per Table 1.
6. Air Conditioning Shop: Storage (SRE01) ........................... 250 NSF (23.3 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Air Conditioning Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide an additional 24 NSF per each Technical Air Conditioning
Shop FTE position authorized greater than four.
7. Plumbing Shop:
Floor Mounted Tools and Equipment (PMCW1) ................ 200 NSF (18.6 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Plumbing Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized.
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 6 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
8. Plumbing Shop: Workbench and Worktable (PMCW1)...... 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Plumbing Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide additional NSF per Table 1.
9. Plumbing Shop: Storage (SRE01) ....................................... 200 NSF (18.6 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Plumbing Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide an additional 24 NSF for each Technical Plumbing Shop FTE
position authorized greater than four.
10. Electrical Shop:
Floor Mounted Tools and Equipment (PMCW1) ................. 150 NSF (14.0 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Electrical Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized.
11. Electrical Shop: Workbench and Worktable (PMCW1) ...... 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Electrical Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide additional NSF per Table 1.
12. Electrical Shop: Storage (SRE01) ....................................... 250 NSF (23.3 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Electrical Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide an additional 24 NSF for each Technical Electrical Shop FTE
position authorized greater than four.
13. Paint Shop:
Floor Mounted Tools and Equipment (PMCW1) .....................80 NSF (7.5 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Paint Shop FTE positions or greater are authorized.
14. Paint Shop: Workbench and Worktable, (PMCW1) ............ 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Paint Shop FTE positions or greater are authorized;
provide additional NSF per Table 1.
15. Paint Shop: Storage, Flammable (SRHM1) ...........................100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide one if four Technical Paint Shop FTE positions or greater
are authorized and a Flammable Storage is authorized; provide an additional 24
NSF for each Technical Paint Shop FTE position authorized greater than four.
16. Paint Shop: Paint Area (XXYYC) .......................................... 500 NSF (46.5NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Paint Shop FTE positions or greater are authorized.
This area provides a control and isolated area for paint work.
17. Machine Shop:
Floor Mounted Tools / Equipment (PMCW1) ...................... 300 NSF (27.9 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Machine Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized.
18. Machine Shop: Workbench and Worktable (PMCW1)........ 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Machine Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized; provide additional NSF per Table 1.
19. Machine Shop: Storage (SRE01) ...........................................100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide one if four Technical Machine Shop FTE positions or
greater are authorized; provide an additional 24 NSF for each Technical Machine
Shop FTE position authorized greater than four.
20. Mason Shop:
Floor Mounted Tools and Equipment (PMCW1) ...................100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Mason Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized.
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 7 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
21. Mason Shop: Workbench and Worktable (PMCW1) .......... 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Mason Shop FTE positions or greater are
authorized. Provide additional NSF per Table 1.
22. Mason Shop: Storage, Mason Shop (SRE01) ...................... 100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide one if four Technical Mason Shop FTE positions or
greater are authorized; provide an additional 24 NSF for each Technical Mason
Shop FTE positions authorized grater than four.
23. Grounds Maintenance Shop:
Workbench / Worktable (PMCW1) ...................................... 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Grounds Maintenance Shop FTE positions or
greater are authorized; provide additional NSF per Table 1.
24. Grounds Maintenance Shop: Storage (SRE01).................... 100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Provide one if four Technical Grounds Maintenance Shop FTE positions or
greater are authorized; provide an additional 24 NSF per each Technical Grounds
Maintenance Shop FTE position authorized greater than four.
25. Grounds Maintenance Shop:
Storage, Covered Outside (XXYYC).................................... 400 NSF (37.2 NSM)
Provide one if less than four Technical Grounds Maintenance Shop FTE positions
are authorized.
This space provides for storage of grounds maintenance equipment, flammable
liquids, sand, gravel, seasonal bulk supplies, etc. The requirement for this space
is determined on an individual project basis. The amount of space may vary
depending on the location of the medical center and the size of the campus.
26. Locksmith Shop:
Workbench and Worktable (PMCW1) ................................. 120 NSF (11.2 NSM)
Minimum NSF; provide one if the total number of projected patient beds are
between 10 and 350; provide an additional 40 NSF if the total number of patient
beds is greater than 350.
27. Locksmith Shop: Storage (SRE01) ......................................... 80 NSF (7.5 NSM)
Provide one for the Locksmith Shop.
28. Multi Use Shop:
Floor Mounted Tools and Equipment (PMCW1) ................ 350 NSF (32.6 NSM)
Provide one if less than four Shop Areas Technical FTE positions in total are
authorized for Engineering Service.
29. Multi Use Shop: Workbench and Worktable, (PMCW1).... 450 NSF (41.8 NSM)
Provide one if less than four Shop Areas Technical FTE positions in total are
authorized for Engineering Service.
30. Multi Use Shop: Storage (SRE01) ....................................... 250 NSF (23.3 NSM)
Provide one if less than four Shop Areas Technical FTE positions in total are
authorized for Engineering Service.
31. Multi Use Shop: Flammable Storage (SRHM1) .................... 100 NSF (9.3 NSM)
Provide one if less than four Shop Areas Technical FTE positions in total are
authorized for Engineering Service.
32. Housekeeping Aids Closet (HAC) (JANC1) ............................ 60 NSF (5.6 NSM)
Minimum one; provide an additional one for every increment of two Engineering
Shops authorized greater than two.
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 8 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
6
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
PLANNING AND DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
A. Departmental Net-to-Gross factor (DNTG) for Engineering Service is 1.30. This
number when multiplied by the programmed Net Square Foot (NSF) area
determines the Departmental Gross Square Feet (DGSF).
B. Administrative offices / work spaces should be located in proximity to the main
hospital administration complex. (Different floors are acceptable).
C. Shop areas should be located adjacent to the loading dock and accessible to interior
transport system. If not adjacent to the dock then a double exterior opening door
should be considered. Access is needed to move lengths of pipe and large sheets
plywood and sheetrock.
D. The engineering control room (ECC) shall be totally enclosed, air conditioned, and
designed acoustically to provide an ambient noise level of not more than 50
Decibels. The control room shall be located so that visual surveillance of both the
water chilling equipment and boiler plant equipment can be maintained. If this is not
feasible, then the control room shall be located to provide visual surveillance of the
water chilling equipment (or as recommended by the Engineering Officer).
E. A vacuum system is required for the equipment utilized in carpentry work. A fume
hood is required where welding is accomplished.
F. Individual shops may be combined to form larger shops or all shops may be
combined into one large shop area. Shop storage areas may be combined.
G. AMES / MERS is the abbreviation for Automated Engineering Management System /
Medical Equipment Reporting System. This may be a web based system. PC of
Wyse based or terminal is needed.
H. The work space for the Biomedical Engineer may be located either with the
biomedical Engineering shop or in the administrative office area.
I.
If an automatic transport system (ATS) is planned for the medical center, then an
ATS repair shop is required. The ATS shop should consist of a test track, workbench
area, and a battery recharging area. Space must be determined on a project by
project basis.
J. Refer to the latest edition of the Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Health
Care Facilities published by and available from the American Institute of Architects,
1735 New York Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20006.
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 9 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
7
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Relationship of Engineering Service to services listed below:
TABLE 2: FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP MATRIX
RELATIONSHIP OF
ENGINEERING SERVICE
TO
Audiology and Speech Pathology
Building Management -Administration
Cardiology Laboratory
Dietetic Service - Food Proceeding
Dialysis Center
Director’s Suite
ENG.
CTRL.
ADMIN. SHOPS CTR.
X
X
3
3
3
3
3
Laboratory
Laboratory - E.M. Suite
Nursing Units – CCU
Nursing Unit – MICU
Nursing Unit – SICU
Pulmonary Medicine
Radiology - Main Suite
Supply Service - Administration
Supply Service - S.P.D. Central
Supply Service - Warehouse
Surgical Service - Operating Suite
BIOMED
REPAIR
3
X
X
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
X
3
Legend:
Relationship:
1.
2.
3.
4.
X.
Adjacent
Close / Same Floor
Close / Different Floor Acceptable
Limited Traffic
Separation Desirable
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 10 of 11
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Washington, DC 20420
8
PG-18-9: Space Planning Criteria
March 2008
Revised: October 01, 2015
FUNCTIONAL DIAGRAM
Chapter 230: Engineering Service - Page 11 of 11